Gusto vs. Rippling

25x more small businesses choose Gusto over Rippling

  • Automated payroll compliance for most kinds of businesses
  • Instant, same-day, and next-day pay
  • Seamless integrations with leading accounting tools
  • Simple HR add-ons to grow your business your way
Start for free
Graphic showing Gusto chosen by many more small businesses than Rippling, with text '500K choose Gusto' and '20K choose Rippling

Payroll that’s friendly to small businesses

We’re focused on making your life easier and your business run smoother.
GustoPayroll-first support
RipplingMultiple focus areas
Clear and upfront pricing
Quote-only pricing
Payroll always included
Payroll is an add-on
Human support for employee or employer
Chat-first support
Ranked #1 in Newsweek and Statista best online platforms
Rated #5
Built for small businesses
Requires 5 employees or more
Pay your team instantly
Requires 3rd party integration
GustoClear and upfront pricing
vs.
RipplingQuote-only pricing
GustoPayroll always included
vs.
RipplingPayroll is an add-on
GustoHuman support for employee or employer
vs.
RipplingChat-first support
GustoRanked #1 in Newsweek and Statista best online platforms
vs.
RipplingRated #5
GustoBuilt for small businesses
vs.
RipplingRequires 5 employees or more
GustoPay your team instantly
vs.
RipplingRequires 3rd party integration
Fast Company
#1 Most Innovative in HR
Fast Company 2025
CNBC
Best SMB payroll service
for user experience 2025
Forbes Advisor
10 best payroll services
for small business
G2
#1 Payroll User Satisfaction SMB
G2 Software Review 2025
Fast Company
#1 Most Innovative in HR
Fast Company 2025
CNBC
Best SMB payroll service
for user experience 2025
Forbes Advisor
10 best payroll services
for small business
G2
#1 Payroll User Satisfaction SMB
G2 Software Review 2025

Did you know...
Rippling requires at least 5 full-time employees — leaving out lean startups and true small businesses.

Gusto is the better option. Compare the reviews.

Compared to Gusto, [Rippling] feels more hectic and less streamlined, which can slow things down when you’re managing multiple employees.
Ex-Rippling Customer
G2 Review
It’s so convenient to manage benefits and renewals on your own without having to make an appointment or talk to a broker. With easy-to-understand plan comparisons, Gusto is simple to use.
Lollipop Dental
Healthcare Industry
50 - 99 employees
With Gusto, a small business like ours can avoid taking on a lot of overhead and they give us all we need — payroll, HR, and benefits managed all in one place.
Magpie Health Analytics
Technology Industry
10-24 employees
Gusto was so user friendly and the most cost-effective solution, especially in comparison to some antiquated players in the space. It’s really nice to see a company with a good foundation continue to evolve the product.
Floyd Lee Locums
Healthcare Industry
50 - 99 employees

Gusto saves time and money where Rippling doesn’t

Gusto
Rippling
Built for payroll first
Less focused support
Transparent pricing
Hidden fees
Simplified payroll with AutoPilot® included
Payroll automations are add-ons
Free setup
Charges implementation fees
Start for free

Need more than payroll?

We give you access to the tools you need without upselling you for ones you don’t.

Employee Benefits

Offer affordable health and financial benefits
It takes more than a paycheck to build an amazing team. We’ll help you find a healthcare package that checks every box on your list.

Employee Benefits

Offer affordable health and financial benefits
It takes more than a paycheck to build an amazing team. We’ll help you find a healthcare package that checks every box on your list.

See why 500k small businesses work with Gusto

No guessing games, no hidden fees. Let Gusto make your life easier and your business run smoother — start today for free (yep, no quotes necessary).
*Competitive data on this page was collected as of July 2025 and is subject to change or update. Gusto does not make any representations as to the completeness or accuracy of the information on this page. All Gusto services listed in the payroll features comparison chart are provided by Gusto or by one of Gusto's trusted partners.

  1. Rippling revenue, funding & news. https://sacra.com/c/rippling/
  2. Rippling vs. Gusto: Why Gusto Comes Out on Top - NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/rippling-vs-gusto
  3. 50+ Payroll Statistics Shaping Employee Experience in 2025. https://learn.g2.com/payroll-statistics
  4. Rippling PEO Review and Subscription Costs in 2025. https://www.business.com/reviews/rippling-peo/
  5. Rippling Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2. https://www.g2.com/products/rippling/reviews
  6. Quote | Rippling. https://www.rippling.com/quote